University mourns death of VC

Stirling University has announced the death of its vice-chancellor and principal, Professor Colin Bell. He was 61.

Professor Bell had been principal of the university since September 2001. He died suddenly while on campus. He was married to the sociologist Janette Webb, with whom he had two daughters.

Professor Bell, a distinguished sociologist, had previously been vice-chancellor of the University of Bradford and vice-principal of the University of Edinburgh. He had also held positions at the University of Essex, University College Swansea and the University of Aston. He spent some years at the University of New South Wales.

He was a fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh and played an active role within the funding council Hefce, sitting on, and chairing, various committees.

Among his numerous publications he wrote about sociology research methods with Sir Howard Newby, now head of Hefce.

The university issued a statement on Friday saying: "It is with immense sadness that the sudden and untimely death is announced of Professor Colin Bell, principal and vice-chancellor of the University of Stirling. The university extends its sincere sympathy to Colin's family and friends."